How long do skateboard wheels last is must-know knowledge for every responsible skateboard owner. You should know when is the right time to replace skateboard wheels.
Worn-out skateboard wheels should be replaced at once for your own safety and protection. They can cause accidents and serious injuries if not given enough attention. It is not a nice thing to know that you get hurt because of your own negligence, right?
Table of Contents
How Long Do Skateboard/Longboard Wheels Last
In general, the average lifespan of ordinary skateboard wheels is about 3 months.
That said, it may be impossible for us to determine the exact lifespan of a new skateboard wheel because there are factors to consider. Some wheels wear out faster while others last a little longer. This is the main reason why some are able to use their wheels for years while others have to change them after just a couple of months.
How long do cruiser wheels last or how long do longboard wheels last were questions that only skateboard owners can answer accurately. You may receive different answers to the same question because different skateboarders have different riding styles and habits that can affect the lifespan of their skateboard wheels.
If you want to spend a longer time with your wheels, you must know how to choose the right one for you and your board, so you will not have to change skateboard wheels every now and then.
Wear and Tear Skateboard Wheels
It is totally normal for skateboard wheels to wear down, especially if you have been using them continuously for quite some time now. These are the factors that contribute to the normal wear and tear of skateboard wheels:
- The faster you skate, the more friction you create. The more friction you create, the faster the wheels of your skateboards will wear out.
- Too much weight can also damage not only your wheels but also other parts of your skateboard. The heavier the load, the sooner components will wear out.
- Your riding style can also affect the lifespan of your skateboard wheels. If you are the type of rider who loves to jump and perform tricks a lot, expect that your skateboard wheels will not last long.
- Negligence in taking care of your skateboard wheels can totally affect their service life. Make it a habit to clean them and store them in a safe and clean place.
- The location where you usually do skateboarding will also determine how quickly your skateboard wheels wear out. Skating on rocky and uneven roads and trails can damage your wheels really fast.
When to Replace
Here are some hints and tips that might help you determine when is the right time to replace your worn-out skateboard wheels.
When you already noticed the uneven shape of the wheels and when flat areas begin to be visible, do not ignore them. These are some of the obvious signs that you need a new skateboard wheel.
When your ride seems to be bumpy even when you are skating on plain and flat surfaces, you have worn-out skateboard wheels.
When you notice that your wheels have changed colors, do not disregard it. When the skateboard’s original color seems to be unnoticeable, it is time for you to check your wheels, for it is a clear indication of an existing problem.
When your skateboard wheels begin to shrink, the wheel’s dimension changes. It is one of the signs that you should take notice of because it can cause wheel misalignment and may lead to accidents that can give you serious injuries.
Here’s a video where you can learn tips and advice on how and when to change your skateboard wheels.
How to Extend the Life of Skateboard Wheels
A skateboard deck would not move without any wheels underneath, right? Even if you push the board with all your might, still, it wouldn’t move, because wheels are needed to keep it rolling. So, taking care of your skateboard wheels will always be the right decision.
Although it’s normal for skateboard wheels to wear eventually, here are some tips on how to extend their life. Take note of these things and try it out soon for yourself to have a better and longer skateboard wheel service life.
The number one on the list is to ride your wheels at under 90° and to keep it that way. This will prevent your wheels from having flat spots. Preventing flat spots will also prevent your wheels from wearing and aging faster.
The second one is to make wheel rotation a habit. This will balance the wheel’s uneven wear and can also avoid asymmetrical friction that can harm your wheels. It is as simple as switching the large wheel’s position to the position of the smaller wheels. Continuing sliding and riding the board will eventually even the sizes of your wheels.
Taking good care of your skateboard wheels will definitely be an important factor that can prolong their life span. Good skateboard maintenance and keeping it clean is a major roles of a responsible skateboarder.
Put some oil on the bearings of your skateboard and keep them well-lubricated for better functioning.
For you to be able to properly execute the above tips and advice to prolong the life of your skateboard wheels, you should be able to give attention not only to your skateboard wheels but also to other parts.
Factors to Consider in Buying Your Skateboard Wheels
Considered to be one of the essential parts of a skateboard, it is important to choose the right and perfect wheels for yourself. If you are planning to buy a new one or just want to replace your worn-out skateboard wheels, here are some of the things you have to consider when buying.
Quality of the materials used
The quality of the materials used plays an important role in determining if the skateboard wheels will last or not. The higher the quality of materials used, the higher the chance that the wheels will last longer.
Synthetic rubber that has polyurethane is a good material.
Cost of the skateboard wheels
People often look for products with lower prices, but we all know that most of the high-priced merchandise is priced high because of one good reason–they are worth the price and you can expect them to be of high quality.
The size of the wheels
Be mindful that the size of the wheel does matter. Aside from the fact that the wheels should be well appropriate to the size of the deck, you should also consider your weight in selecting the wheels for your skateboard.
They should be big enough and strong enough to carry and hold you while you’re on the ride. With this factor, your skateboard wheels will have a higher chance of longer life.
Always use appropriate wheels for your weight. Also, you should make sure that your wheels and your board are well proportioned with each other to avoid wheel bite.
Type of wheels
Before going to the skateboard store, you must already know what type of skateboard wheels you need to buy.
You can choose park and street wheels if you are looking for a lightweight type of wheels and have plans of doing tricks such as flip tricks or ollies.
If you are looking for a larger and softer wheel, you can choose cruiser wheels or filmer wheels.
The last type is the longboard wheels, which are the softest but the biggest wheels among them. These wheels are perfect for racing and carving.
Conclusion
Skateboard wheels, just like any other wheel, also experience wear and tear. The quality of the wheels, proper usage, and proper wheel maintenance can prolong their service life and will determine how long do skateboard wheels last.
This post gives you a better insight into how you can make your skateboard wheels last longer. Possible causes of speedy wearing and tips on preventing this aging were also included to help skateboarders like you take good care of your wheels.
I hope I was able to give you helpful tips, and please feel free to share this post with your co-skaters.
I am Michael, and I have been enjoying this fun sport for seven years. And nothing is better than having a community to share our passion for those thrilling tricks. I am ready to tell you all I know about skateboarding, showing you how to choose a good board and trick to start and how the practice goes. Stay tuned!